Protection Visas for LGBTIQA+ People Seeking Asylum

Are you an LGBTIQA+ person living in Australia on a visa and seeking asylum because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC)? This session is for LGBTIQA+ people currently in Australia on visas, as well as the people and services supporting them. Join Rainbow Migrants Living Lab and Circle Green Community Legal for a free, inclusive information session — attend in person or online. 

What you will learn 

• An overview of Protection visas and the refugee criteria 

• How SOGIESC-based harm can fit within the Protection visa criteria 

• How SOGIESC protection claims are assessed and what evidence is required 

• The difficulties in applying for a Protection visa 

• An overview of how Bridging visas work 

• How Circle Green Community Legal can assist with SOGIESC-based protection claims 

Event details 

Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2026 

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (AWST) 

Where: Edith City Campus and Online (a link to the session will be shared before the event via email) 

Cost: Free • Light refreshments for in‑person attendees • Safe space 

Presenter 

Sarah Pickles (she/her) — Humanitarian Lawyer and Specialist Lead for SOGIESC Protection visa claims at Circle Green Community Legal. 

Sarah is a member of the queer community and proudly represents clients seeking asylum on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. She has represented clients for initial Protection visa applications and at the Administrative Review Tribunal. She has previously worked as a family violence lawyer in South Australia and the Northern Territory.